Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond reviews progress of ongoing projects
Directs timely completion to strengthen heritage conservation and visitor infrastructure
Chandigarh, July 13:
The Punjab Government is establishing tourism and heritage infrastructure projects worth over Rs.62 crore across the state as part of its sustained efforts to promote tourism, preserve Punjab’s rich cultural legacy and create new avenues for economic growth.
Reviewing the progress of these projects today, Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond directed all executing agencies to ensure their timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality. He said that these projects will enhance visitor infrastructure, conserve historical and cultural landmarks and generate new economic and employment opportunities.
Chairing a review meeting with senior officials of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, the Minister directed all executing agencies to ensure the projects are completed within the stipulated timelines without compromising on quality. He stressed that these initiatives reflect the vision of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government to promote sustainable tourism while preserving Punjab’s unique cultural identity.
Sond said that the government is making sustained investments in tourism infrastructure to showcase Punjab’s historical, religious and cultural legacy to visitors from across the country and abroad. He added that these projects will not only improve visitor experience but also create employment opportunities and boost local economies.
Reviewing the status of ongoing works, the Minister discussed the construction of a heritage welcome gate at the entrance of Punjab at an estimated cost of ₹11 crore, aimed at creating a grand and welcoming gateway to the state.
He also reviewed the ₹8.30 crore Malout Craft Corridor project in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, which is intended to promote Punjab’s traditional crafts, support local artisans and provide an attractive cultural destination for tourists.
The Minister further assessed the ₹14.30 crore project for the construction of an auditorium and expansion of the Shaheed Udham Singh Memorial Museum along with the construction of a memorial gate at the entrance to Sunam city in Sangrur district. He said the project would serve as an important tribute to the legendary freedom fighter while enriching the state’s heritage infrastructure.
Sond also reviewed the ₹9 crore development and beautification project of the Heritage Street at Gurdwara Tutti Gandi Sahib, Sri Muktsar Sahib, which is expected to significantly enhance the spiritual and tourism experience for devotees and visitors.
Another major project under review was the ₹20 crore Ecotourism Experience at Kanjli Wetlands in Kapurthala district, which includes the operation, maintenance and management of the facility for five years. The Minister said the project would promote eco-friendly tourism while ensuring the conservation of the ecologically significant wetland.
Emphasising the importance of timely execution, Sond instructed officials to closely monitor progress, resolve bottlenecks promptly and maintain high standards of construction and development. He said every project should be completed within the prescribed timeframe so that the public can benefit from improved tourism facilities at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Kumar Amit, Director Sanjeev Tiwari and other concerned officials.
